College of Trades is a partnership between Johnson County Corrections, Johnson County Community College Workforce Development and Continuing Education and NCircle. The program provides a 12-week introduction to a skilled trade and 36 contact hours of Essential Skills for Workplace Advancement and Life Skills. The program is offered Spring, Summer and Fall. College of Trades is an opportunity for adults at the Johnson County Adult Residential Center to learn essential professional and technical skills.
Trade Trainings
Every semester, different trades are offered. Past trade training includes:
Welding
Clients who receive this training are prepared for welding in an industrial setting. They receive safety instruction, technical instruction and complete the course with American Welding Society welding certification D1.1 and D1.3 Structural Steel. Instruction is provided by Wright Welding, Dennis Wright, American Welding Society Certified Educator.
Culinary
Clients who receive this training are prepared to handle themselves in a professional kitchen. They learn about the work environment, safety measures and proper food handling while working in a professional kitchen. Clients also receive hands on practice preparing food in an industrial kitchen. Clients take the ServSafe for Food Handlers certification, training is provided through Johnson County Community College (JCCC).
Digital Literacy
Clients who are enrolled in College of Trades have the opportunity to earn up to 8 certifications recognized across the nation as Northstar Digital Literacy, through NCircle’s partnership with Goodwill MOKAN. Clients take proctored assessments to show proficiency in Basic computer, Internet Basics, Using Email, Social Media, Windows10, Microsoft Word Office 2016, Microsoft Excel Office 2016, Microsoft PowerPoint Office 2016.
OSHA 10
Clients who take OSHA 10 training are prepared for working in an industrial or construction setting. This program promotes workplace safety for entry level workers. Many companies require this training in order to decrease workplace injury and insurance costs. This program is provided through Johnson County Community College (JCCC) and students receive OSHA 10 Certification.
Technology
Clients who are enrolled in the College of Trades can apply for Johnson County Community College Continuing Education (JCCC CE) technology courses. Courses may include CompTIA A+, Security Certifications or other tech programs offered through JCCC CE.
Forklift
Clients who receive Forklift Certification Training learn about working in busy commercial warehouses. They are trained to operate a Forklift Truck, REach Truck and Powered Pallet Jack. The training is a hands-on course offered at Kansas City Kansas Community College’s (KCKCC) Tech Campus, and is in compliance with OSHA Standards and the certification is recognized in all 50 states.
Automotive
Clients who take this course, get an introduction to an automobile technician career. Clients learn safe techniques for basic hand and power tools, as well as how to understand vehicle documentation, write service tickets, prep vehicles for service and communicate to customers. Clients will also use comprehensive and manufacturer’s shop manuals to perform basic under-hood and under-car services.
Construction
Client who take this course are introduced to tools, equipment and methods of basic construction. Through lecture and hands-on practice, client learn about various aspects of construction such as materials, fastening methods, wall finishing preparation and painting, and how to use typical hand and power tools.
Customer Service
Customer service provides individuals with the skills to manage phone calls in a professional setting. Students learn phone etiquette, ways to address angry customers, how to report issues and document phone calls and how to problem solve with a customer. Students will gain an understanding of the customer perspective and the company perspective. Students learn how to deescalate tense situations while managing their own emotions.
Non-Trade Training
A program that includes Essential Skills for the Workplace and Non-Certification programs, offered to men and women who are unable to work while in their correctional programs.
How We Partner
College of Trades is made possible by NCircle’s flexible and adaptive approach in bringing systems in our community together to create a unique opportunity for individuals impacted by the criminal justice system.
Johnson County Department of Corrections supports and provides for clients through services at the Adult Residential Center (ARC) and the Therapeutic Community (TC). It is the residents of these programs that are eligible to be students in the College of Trades. Corrections works with clients to instill positive lasting change by focusing on behavior change, employment, mental health, substance abuse, and housing. All of this aids in getting clients back into the community as productive citizens and neighbors.
Johnson County Community College Continuing Education partners with NCircle to provide the Culinary Servsafe course, the OSHA10 course, and technology courses. Johnson County Community College Continuing Education also partners to provide other training programs designed to increase employ-ability and reduce barriers for our clients. JCCC CE and NCircle co-fund a Transition Coach at the community college to connect students to resources that will help them achieve their educational goals.
Johnson County Community College Foundation has provided two scholarships for our College of Trades clients. First, clients who graduate from the College of Trades can apply for a $500 per semester scholarship that will help them start their first credit seeking classes. Second, the foundation has established the Better Tomorrow Fund. This fund provides customized training programs to help clients while they are at the Adult Residential Center or on probation to access certifications that will support their employment goals.
Goodwill of Western MO and Eastern KS partners with NCircle to provide Digital Literacy to students so they can pass the 8 Northstar Digital Literacy Assessments.
The Johnson County Public Library is a tremendous asset to our community and to the Department of Corrections. They recognize the importance of supporting the clients served to help remind them they are a resource within the community. The Library partners with NCircle and Corrections to provide the StrengthsFinder assessment to each College of Trades participant, to help our students identify the strengths they have and how to use them in a productive manner.
The Mentoring 2 Excel Program provides clients a mentor to walk with them through probation and into the community. Students participating in the College of Trades program are highly encouraged to interview for a mentor in order to gain the extra support needed to not only complete the program but to utilize the skills gained in their community.
Faith Communities throughout Johnson County support the College of Trades by offering mentors, essential skills instructors, and classroom resources. Faith community members who own businesses have worked to provide employment and training opportunities for our clients.
Volunteers and Instructors
We are very fortunate to live in a supportive community willing to help our clients and we have a strong base of volunteers and businesses. Our Essential Skills instructors are professionals in the community who have a passion for being a part of a student’s network of support, and training students in the 7 Essential Skills for the Workplace: Punctuality, Teamwork, Effective Communication, Coachability, Urgency, Organization, and Attitude.
Our instructors for Photography, Creative Writing, and Public Speaking are community volunteers with unique talents they are willing to share with students to provide a space for creativity, pro social leisurely activities, and confidence found when learning something new.
Our Skilled Trade instructors provide instruction and certificates that help our clients be work ready in skilled trade fields. Instructors are either paid or volunteer providers. We are always seeking skilled instructors to come alongside these clients and provide access to key trade certificates and certifications that will enhance employ-ability and ultimately launch clients into a skilled trade career.
Application Process
Residents at the Adult Residential Center and Therapeutic Community, and individuals on community supervision, attend an open house at the ARC to learn about the College of Trades Program. There are booths with representatives of the various trades and arts offered so students can ask questions and explore options. Potential students then work with the ARC’s Resource Developers to fill out an application which includes a short Interest Essay and taking the O*Net Work Interest Profile. They are then interviewed by a panel comprised of NCircle Staff, ARC staff, and Instructors, and from those interviews are ultimately placed in various classes. All College of Trades Students are enrolled in the Essential Skills for the Workplace class regardless of the trade or art skill they are placed in.